101 Zen Stories: Compilation of Zen Koans

[@doktorinn1872]

Thank you for these stories🙏 Great reading voice!

[@audiobuddho]

Thank you for your support!🙏

[@slebtastic3150]

❤😂😂🎉

[@nicolemiller8314]

@@audiobuddholove your audio voice, 1 of the best i’ve ever heard 😊

[@lilithrogers5204]

I agree 😅

[@edword3457]

35:00 The Sincerity of Bankei 🙏

[@maxwellsandor1876]

I'm a young guy, 19, and being able to hear these teachings whenever I please is an amazing feat in humanity. I don't think people, especially my age who get phones so young, take for granted what knowledge we have at our fingertips. Love you all

[@mikhalthatbadasslastnameif2524]

Atleast you mean well.

[@ajay4319]

I'm 20 and yes people are just drowned in the worldly affairs. Sometimes it kinda sucks seeing them be so ignorant. I've tried to introduce to them but no one seems to care. I guess we just got lucky. Have a nice day/night.

[@mikhalthatbadasslastnameif2524]

@@ajay4319 reread the first story. Having negative opinions and listening your ego. How are you supposed to reach enlightenment with opinions and you’re ego blocking your way.

[@ajay4319]

@@mikhalthatbadasslastnameif2524 if Buddha after getting enlightened just went into solitude for his entire life then we wouldn't be having Buddhism and Zen

[@mikhalthatbadasslastnameif2524]

@@ajay4319 I get you’re trying to make a point. But it’s a terrible one. People would still find enlightenment even if Buddha never reached it.

[@aforest3016]

0:00 - 1. A Cup Of Tea 0:45 - 2. Finding a Diamond on a Muddy Road 4:20 - 3. Is That So? 5:42 - 4. Obedience 7:01 - 5. If You Love, Love Openly 7:44 - 6. No Loving-Kindness 8:57 - 7. Great Waves 10:53 - 8. The Moon Cannot Be Stolen 11:41 - 9. The Last Poem of Hoshin 14:08 - 10. The Story of Shunkai 17:38 - 11. A Buddha 18:51 - 12. Shoun and His Mother 21:34 - 13. Not Far From Buddhahood 22:49 - 14. A Parable 23:46 - 15. The First Principle 25:05 - 16. A Mother’s Advice 25:53 - 17. The Sound Of One Hand 28:39 - 18. My Heart Burns Like Fire 30:07 - 19. Eshun’s Departure 30:41 - 20. Reciting Sutras 31:41 - 21. Three Days More 32:53 - 22. Trading Dialogue For Lodging 35:03 - 23. The Voice Of Happiness 35:57 - 24. Calling Card 36:47 - 25. Everything Is Best 37:13 - 26. Mokusen’s Hand 38:10 - 27. A Smile In His Lifetime 39:30 - 28. Every-Minute Zen 40:23 - 29. Flower Shower 41:16 - 30. Gisho’s Work 42:52 - 31. Sleeping In The Daytime 43:58 - 32. In Dreamland 44:55 - 33. Joshu’s Zen 45:34 - 34. The Dead Man’s Answer 46:30 - 35. Zen In A Beggar’s Life 47:59 - 36. Right and Wrong 49:12 - 37. How Grass and Tree Become Enlightened 50:22 - 38. Ryonen’s Clear Realization 52:50 - 39. Sour Miso 54:12 - 40. Your Light May Go Out 54:41 - 41. The Giver Should Be Thankful 55:53 - 42. The Tea-Master and the Assassin 57:40 - 43. The True Path 58:23 - 44. The Gate of Paradise 59:20 - 45. Arresting the Stone Buddha 1:00:57 - 46. Soldiers of Humanity 1:01:45 - 47. The Tunnel 1:03:51 - 48. In the Hands of Destiny 1:04:54 - 49. Killing 1:05:36 - 50. Subjugation of a Ghost 1:08:06 - 51. Children of His Majesty 1:08:54 - 52. What Are You Doing! What Are You Saying! 1:11:20 - 53. One Note of Zen 1:12:27 - 54. Eating the Blame 1:13:17 - 55. The Most Valuable Thing In The World 1:13:46 - 56. Learning To Be Silent 1:14:36 - 57. Ten Successors 1:15:53 - 58. True Reformation 1:17:13 - 59. Temper 1:17:58 - 60. The Stone Mind 1:18:49 - 61. Real Prosperity 1:19:48 - 62. Incense Burner 1:21:29 - 63. The Real Miracle 1:22:41 - 64. Nothing Exists 1:23:35 - 65. No Work, No Food 1:24:28 - 66. Time To Die 1:25:10 - 67. Three Kinds of Disciples 1:26:02 - 68. Zen Dialogue 1:27:19 - 69. The Last Rap 1:28:28 - 70. The Taste of Bonzo’s Sword 1:31:09 - 71. Storyteller’s Zen 1:32:40 - 72. Midnight Excursion 1:33:36 - 73. A Letter To A Dying Man 1:34:44 - 74. A Drop Of Water 1:35:25 - 75. Tosui’s Vinegar 1:36:16 - 76. The Silent Temple 1:36:56 - 77. Buddha’s Zen

[@sky.the.infinite]

Quite a feat. Thank you.

[@davidfield956]

Thank you!

[@elizabethdavis2070]

Thank you.

[@rodneyshearing7049]

Thanks

[@allanroser1070]

About time.... grasshopper

[@togetherinpresence3989]

To anybody who's reading this, I pray that whatever is hurting you or whatever you are constantly stressing about gets better. May the dark thoughts, the overthinking, and the doubt exit your mind. May clarity replace confusion. May peace and calmness fill your life. I hope anything that bothers you and makes you feel depressed will go away and you will feel comfortable with this video. Don't worry, tomorrow is a new day. Start over. It's not too late yet.

[@mrplinkett4429]

Lies

[@TechnoPrimate66]

Thank you.

[@nicolekeith5026]

I needed this so badly thank you so much 💗

[@JakubAlexander]

Stop praying, start doing

[@richardmanibo4706]

how sweet of you.

[@ahobimo732]

I'm not a Buddhist, but there is wisdom and insight within many of these stories. Some are more profound than others. The narrator did a phenomenal job reading them. I'll definitely listen to this many times over. Thank you for sharing.

[@mariariveraortega6311]

zen not budist , zen is tao hinduism bidisim an other powerful tipes of living( not correct to say philosophies or religions.

[@pascalbaryamo4568]

I studied under a great professor in Japanese philosophy. He made me acknowledge, basically, that if the same idea rises up multiple times in unrelated places (Japan, Islamic Spain, medieval Germany, among others), there is something to it.

[@TrustasCurrency]

zen buddhism comes from Bodhi Dharm the buddhas right hand man that left india and traveled to china and spread the Zen teachings. @@mariariveraortega6311

[@trumurray8033]

Truth is Truth do not be foolish and get hung up on labels

[@李言-o4e]

​@@mariariveraortega6311禅宗是佛教，也是人生哲学

[@iRedditTales]

The person who is reading this comment, I wish you great success, health, love and happiness!

[@noself7889]

Thank you, I wish the same to you 🙏☯️☸️

[@markreyes5203]

Not a Buddhist but always grateful for wisdom. Beautiful stories that provoke deeper desire for understanding.

[@joshuabrookshire2842]

I think that me be part of the essence of Zen.

[@morganseppy5180]

I become more Buddhist the more I learn. I hope this sentient can learn enough to be enlightened.

[@riskytime]

I believe that you are a Buddhist.

[@ommitedommited154]

We all are Buddhists. 🕉

[@bikecaptain8015]

I am decidedly not in any way a Buddhist. The practice of Zen and the practice of Buddhism are related, but not same-so.

[@trashpandaeli4479]

Listening to these reminds me of a quote I heard ia few years back that really stuck with me. "To demand calm does nothing. To teach calm does little. To exemplify calm does everything. "

[@_hi_pwr]

Lead by example

[@thealchemistdaughter3405]

That’s it..

[@RafafmBanyumas]

someone who is smart who deserves to be imitated in his struggles during his career 

[@luke125]

Exactly

[@ridanann]

So it's like incel to demand clam does nothing to teach clam is impossible and to be clam is to overcome clams you know like women's lady bits calm clam the mother of invention well that was pretty stupid cheerio

[@HeronCoyote1234]

This is the reading of one of my favorite books, “Zen Flesh, Zen Bones”, compiled by Paul Reps. I’ve owned the book since the ‘70s. I give this book as gifts to my special friends.

[@portocredito]

Have the same book, but only since the 80's.

[@conephompany]

Great gift

[@sydismine]

A gift from my brother. I pluck it off the shelf for some "bibliomancy" every now and then. Now, hearing it with Peter Coyote narrating is bliss. ☮🕊

[@philwhyte3982]

me too

[@tetsuwanatom4869]

Suzuki

[@benevolencia4203]

Some may say my cup is half full. Others may say half empty. And yet some say; the most useful cup comes to us empty, so we might fill it. Empty your mind, still your thinking and you might experience a moment of eternity. So many great teachers over the centuries seemingly saying many of the same things. Peace they say is the causeless state. When we settle ourselves, close eyes gently, exhale letting all thinking leave. A little moment of forever is found within, I smile open my eyes and go back to it. Thank you for this video.

[@darthnihiluz5305]

You smoking weed?

[@jimparant1789]

Thanks for the video your comment too. Some people get it how cool is that.

[@DarkDarma22716]

Thanks for emptying our cups.

[@benevolencia4203]

@@DarkDarma22716 lol don’t thank me Lois, nobody holds your cup but you. So I suppose I could say in return; thank you for being you 🙏🏻 it is a physical fact that the universe, and therefore myself would not be the same were you not in it.

[@googiegress]

What is it about a cup that makes us consider only its fullness? What is it about us?

[@hailstrom9780]

I must say I absolute love this... I listen to these on my way to work and quite frankly it's changing my life. This is good. I needed this. Thank you.

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@ronaldbailey8676]

It is so awesome to people on the road ( path ) peace and divine love to all

[@lesscott4301]

These stories were my introduction to Buddhism when I was about 17 years old. I loved them then and I still treasure them. Thank you🙏☸️

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you enjoy it!😊🙏

[@helentemple6999]

@@audiobuddho 00

[@daviderusso1238]

Me too, toghether with Foshan''s teaching. Same age! :)

[@badkerproductions]

they were my introduction when i was 117 years old or your when you were 1117 years old.

[@RyderBFD]

At

[@nickscurvy8635]

Peter coyote is probably my absolute favorite narrator/voice actor/audiobook reader.

[@1rocknroy]

He also read Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind ~~ DT. Suzuki, forever ago.

[@nickscurvy8635]

@@1rocknroy yes thats where I first heard him and heard of him. ❤

[@ahobimo732]

​@@jayeshupreti529 So stop listening to them.

[@danwilliams9187]

@@jayeshupreti529 how so??? How are they horrific and what's your take for n it. It's a different experience for each individual and I'm just curious as to why it affected you that way. ❤️

[@alexanderherrera1287]

@@ahobimo732 Mark are you starting trouble again. Answer the question!!

[@Yashhaa]

i’ve come back to this video so many times! i realize that i am a better person when i keep these in mind. specifically i am much more patient and understanding with others! need to keep my mind fresh

[@Auntee-Sara]

As one who endures poor health and disabilities too numerous to list I thank you for what you offer and do not offer. I thank you for not including music which, for me, often drowns out spoken words and can initiate ER level migraines. I thank you for your softly spoken voice that is deeply rich and calmly inviting. Much as a mountain valley in summer lying under shade trees upon tender grass while feet cool in the adjacent gently tumbling creek, so to your voice soothes and cools my troubled soul. Thank you for verbal hugs.

[@nikkij4873]

Omgosh this comment is me. And I love your poetic and powerful description of the feeling. Grateful for this channel I just discovered. I want to make a time stamp comment of this video one day if I ever get the spoons (energy).

[@wakeupsunnysideup]

🙌

[@juliantreidiii]

Me too.

[@1rocknroy]

Exactly !

[@lindamckenzie4543]

🕊🕊🕊🌹

[@Slartibartfasts_Cat]

So great that Peter Coyote reads this. Thank you for this upload. It's exactly what I need right now.

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@solarwind907]

I’m not a Buddhist, just listening hoping to gain something from the experience. Some of the stories I find completely baffling. Thank you very much,

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you like it!😊🙏

[@Michelle-Eden]

Sometimes you don't understand something but continue to think about it. Then, ten years later while taking a shower, you get it.

[@HlifeRomania91]

@@Michelle-Eden omg I thought it was just me LOL so true

[@unripetheberrby6283]

Same

[@xapanxyi]

I thought I was a Buddhist until I heard these stories...

[@meditationrelaxingmusic4k]

So peaceful I wish whose ever reading this may achieve his or her goals or dream wish you a happy and peaceful day

[@JohnSimpersm]

A wish granted to the wicked is a golden road to pain & stuffering. (Space)

[@andrewwhite1576]

There is a story from the Zen Buddhism tradition about the disciple who thought he could improve his chances of enlightenment by seeking it on his own. So he bid farewell to his brothers in the monastery, took the ferry across the river, and went to live in a cave high in the hills all by himself. There he meditated nonstop for twenty-five years. At the end of that time, he emerged from the cave, stretched his arms above his head like a man waking from a long sleep, and made his way down to the river. Without even pausing to test the temperature first, he stepped out on the water and proceeded to walk across the water toward the monastery he had left a quarter of a century ago. Two monks who were doing their laundry that morning saw him coming across the river. "Who is that?" one of them asked. The other replied, "That is the old man who has spent twenty-five years meditating in a cave. Now, look at him! He can walk on water "What a pity," the first monk said. "The ferry only costs a quarter!"

[@joefox9765]

you made me read that?

[@JakeIsTiredd]

@@joefox9765 Nobody made you

[@JakeIsTiredd]

Thank you for sharing

[@goldilocks913]

@Andrew Holster zen SKOANES

[@ronaldbailey8676]

@Andrew Holster meditation is food!!! What fools ye mortals be !!!!

[@jeffsmith1798]

River with no end In the village of Kamakura, there is a single temple next to a river. On this particular day, the temple welcomed a group of novice monks in training to study with Master Kukai whose reputation had already spread far and wide. Over the next few months, Master Kukai had discovered that one of the novice monks, Benkei, felt quite troubled. On one occasion, Master Kukai had observed Benkei meditating long after his fellow initiates had left. Master Kukai walked up to him and said, ‘You meditate but without your brothers. What troubles you?’ ‘I am sorry to bother you, Master. My heart is unsettled. My mother has recently passed away and I cannot stop feeling this sadness. To tell you the truth, I am afraid.’ ‘I understand you better now. Your mother has passed away and this of course makes you sad. Benkei, do you fear death?’ ‘Yes. I fear it.’ Benkei said honestly. ‘In my mind, I understand from the great teachings the impermanence of all things. But in my heart, I still fear it.’ Master Kukai paused. He looked compassionately at the young novice and said, ‘Follow me.’ They walked along a path leading to the river. At the end of the trail, they arrived at the riverside. Master Kukai and Benkei sat down on the bank next to the river. ‘Do you know that there are some who are able to just listen to the river?’ Benkei was surprised by the Master’s words. ‘I’m sorry, Master, but I do not understand.’ ‘Listen closely. The river flows without beginning or end. The river flows. Listen to it.’ They sat together on the river bank. They sat there until the sunset was nearly done. Benkei smiled at the Master. They both stood up and were about to return to the monastery when the Master said, ’Today you have heard the river with no end. Now you know that it is not things that disturb us, but our judgment about them.’

[@elizabethdavis2070]

Thanks.

[@ralphlotus]

💎💎

[@Reiman33]

Incredible.

[@Yahyia-cv3sx]

🙏

[@Jason-eo1rh]

You could've just time stamped that

[@DoctorDew]

One of my very favorite reads for over 25 years. Thank you for reading to us... it benefits all living beings!🙃

[@SueThomason1]

Read by Peter Coyote. Great actor, great voice.

[@HlifeRomania91]

Absolute best!

[@CowboyRobot2000]

Yeah, but he chased ET and almost made him permanently stranded on Earth and was about to have him disected. How 'good' could he really be?!🤨

[@torpedodropkick59]

Thanks for that information! 👍

[@arose4u2]

I recognize his voice from Ken Burn documentaries

[@petezipardi4022]

Once a digger, always a digger.

[@manie54321]

🥰🥰🥰Peter coyote is the best voice narrator ever Wonderful share

[@gabrieltaggart]

If you’re a young man still trying to find your way, read a book called “Way of the peaceful warrior”. This book is by far my favourite and had the biggest impact on my life. It brought so much light and wisdom into my daily thinking.

[@quantumpotential7639]

What do you think about

[@evadebruijn]

Dan Millman?

[@dchristianson23]

​@@quantumpotential7639death

[@zackmackmusic6655]

Yes

[@fluffylee]

Falling asleep to this is like the pilgrimage at Kailash never reaching the summit but always getting to one’s goal.

[@prince.mushroom]

lol l I love this 🥱⛰️🧗🏼

[@Balaur_l]

You have no idea how much I appreciate this video. Thank you so much. When I started out I wouldn’t dream of having access to something like this

[@audiobuddho]

Glad I could help!

[@deborahselleck368]

Thanks

[@audiobuddho]

Thank you for your support!🙏

[@thisisanexonym]

I was listening intently for 31 minutes and 17 seconds before I paused and wrote this. I was doing nothing but staring at the picture, finding focus points, and listening to the words. At once, when I focused on the center of the circle, I had a vision of myself putting a straw to the center and sucking in the sand into myself. The idea repulsed me because I did not want to leave the center hollow for others. I saw the circle again, full this time, and knew at my core that the center is already within me. I was inspired to write this down for others and it seemed as though a koan came to me in response, the one about listening and not lecturing, to which I responded that speaking is listening to the sound of one hand clapping. The next koan I heard was of a kid and the one handed clap.

[@thisisanexonym]

About twenty minutes after I finished that comment and unpaused the video my roommate told me that the pride parade was marching nearby and I left to go watch it. A few years ago a friend of mine pulled a few strings and got me a spot in a pride parade so I was the one chilling in a truck doing the Queen Elizabeth wave. The first thing that caught my eye this pride was a guy with a pope hat carrying a sign saying something to the effect of "God likes you just the way that you are." There were Episcopal Church people wearing pink shirts, a guy in a flamingo costume, a band called Poisoned Rationality playing a Stacey's Mom cover, proselytizing Democrats, and a real showstopper of a drum break from the marching band.

[@thisisanexonym]

I just finished the entirety of the video using the center as a focus object for my eyes. Toward the end I was pondering how humanity first discovered how much water was within us. A person was put into an oven and all of their liquid was boiled off from them. Many had to be struck for others to enjoy the luxury of deciding to seek peace. The powers that be have a vested interest in us convincing ourselves to put away our sticks. The open palmed hand that is stuck that way is as deformed as the stuck closed fist. I will let myself be struck as long as good lessons follow. If I am taught nothing of value when struck I will always find ways to avoid the stick.

[@johnsts1]

So good. Love the stories, cadence and gong between stories. Thanks so much for keeping it free of music.

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@MrStefanuzumaki]

I laughed, felt intense sadness, confused at the point of telling some of these. It was a fantastic collection of stories.

[@nikkij4873]

OK good, I’ve been confused at a couple of these and thought maybe I was just dumb or not getting it. Love most of them though!

[@otto_jk]

The point of Zen stories isn't to understand them like one understands a math problem. The point is to think about the stories and meditate on them. The stories are often purposefully open-ended or paradoxical. You might find a solution but more importantly you might find inner peace.

[@papabird4425]

That one eye story perfectly demonstrates the humor of zen. I love it

[@daithiocinnsealach1982]

True. Was really funny.

[@princejiminez5032]

All these stories, I have heard before, when I was young, I remember each story as a teaching of life's path, and not just mine, but everyones path now as we fallow each other, the deeper it gets, the more true is uncovered.

[@ronaldbailey8676]

Forever stay on the road regardless of what you may encounter ( joy 😊 or pain) stay on the path !!!!

[@ACuriousChild]

Whatever one encounters it IS what one encounters!

[@nikkij4873]

American Catholic here. Many of these stories remind me of Jesus’ parables from the Bible. Do you think that’s also the case? Sort of just general lessons of wisdom on how to live life and love your neighbor.

[@normanvanrooy3113]

I love listening to these stories now and zen.

[@DrarayneThelas]

That’s a great album from Zeppelin

[@Marshmallow001p]

I don’t know if I’m just too high but these stories are blowing my mind!!!!!

[@tiffaaqueen]

ME RN

[@lalith_rajkumar]

+1

[@commie281]

I wish you all one day liberation from intoxicants. I felt so free the week I rid my life of nicotine, even freer ridding my body of weed.

[@sydismine]

Good move, friend. Expand your frequencies. Zen Stories are wonderful on any realm. ✌

[@nanetteharris3456]

My turning point was understanding just two words,Express Gratitude. It changed my life, I knew immediately that I could always find something to be grateful for. No matter what may be going on, my cup is never empty.❤

[@pinoyhappynetwork]

They say being born as a human is so rare, also hearing the darma during ones life is also so rare, so is the appearance of a buddha during an era is also so rare. Knowing all of this things here in my present single lifetime I can say I'm so lucky.

[@harvey9508]

im 16 and i found meditation about a month ago to help deal with my anxiety now a month later i converted to buddhism from christianity and i think its the best thing i ever did

[@farshimelt]

At the base, they are the same, but it's easier to follow the Buddhist path, without all the "shalt nots."

[@CorrectlyIncorrect]

Jesus taught the same teachings differently, as well as Mohammad, Throth, Shiva etc. The core of all religions is what one finds at the core of Gautama's teachings, the style we call Buddhism.

[@PeaceChanel]

Thank You Everybody for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.. Peace Shalom Salam Namaste 🙏🏻😊🌈✌🌷☮❤🕊

[@skybobo8946]

I am 64 year-old now, some stories in this video I used to believe in my younger age are no longer as wisdoms for me anymore, but I still appreciated them

[@Salmach808]

This are awesome stories, thank you so much for sharing them. I laughed at quite a few. Buddhist humor is the best kind

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you like it!😊

[@highhorseo7875]

The one eyed brother-monk was pretty good

[@ellalanier1251]

You

[@ellalanier1251]

P

[@alexrivas8905]

Thank you so much for all the work you do, you're a real hero bringing the path to enlightenment to anyone who cares to listen♥️

[@audiobuddho]

It's my pleasure 😊🙏

[@ACuriousChild]

@Alex Rivas "... you ... you ..." In ESSENCE there is NO YOU - It's ALL GOD in HIS different FORMS. ALL there IS is GOD, BUDDHA, VOID and ITS SPACE AND TIME and ALL CREATION and PHENOMENA within it out of GOD, BUDDHA, VOID residing outside of SPACE AND TIME. Including this comment!

[@darthnihiluz5305]

I shit you not. I walked into McDonald's and said, "Give me your best BigMac." The clerk replied, "Every Big Mac we have here is the best."

[@Michelle-Eden]

Were you enlightened? And does it work with french fries?

[@QualeQualeson]

Haha. That's great :D Zen = corporate speak.

[@DarkDarma22716]

i'm not sure he meant it as a koan, since some burgers are complete jokes and tasteless, plus the marketed variety. Whereas the butcher states that meat as only one nature, just like the dhamma.

[@NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself]

When everything is special, nothing is special.

[@CAA84788]

Hahhahahah!

[@jaik9321]

Buddha's Teaching and Principles are for ever in earth....

[@brycehuff]

Great reading! I love to calm myself with them at bedtime.

[@jeffsmith1798]

Mountain with no summit Shoan had begun to tire of worldly ways and felt he wanted something more. So he decided to seek enlightenment. One day, while on a walk, he saw a monk meditating at the base of a mountain trail. ‘I’m so fortunate I found you!’ Shoan said. ‘Please teach me what it is to be enlightened’. After a brief pause, the monk smiled and said, ‘Sit with me.’ And after Shoan sat down, the monk said ‘Just so.’ After several hours, Shoan had decided he’d had enough. But before he left, he asked the monk ‘Shall I return tomorrow?’ The monk then said ‘Just so.’ The next day, Shoan returned. The monk was no longer at the base of the mountain trail. He was now sitting a long way above the mountain path base. When Shoan finally reached the monk, he stood in front of him. The monk said ‘Sit with me’. Shoan sat and the monk said ‘Just so.’ After several hours, Shoan decided he’d had enough and left. But before he left, he asked the monk ‘Shall I return tomorrow?’ The monk only replied ‘Just so.’ The next day, Shoan returned. The monk was no longer where he was the day before but now at the top of the mountain. When Shoan finally reached the monk, he stood in front of him. The monk said, ‘Sit with me.’ Shoan sat and the monk said ‘Just so.’ After several hours, Shoan decided he’d had enough and left. But before he left, he asked the monk ‘Shall I return tomorrow?’ The monk said ‘Just so.’ The next day, Shoan returned. The monk was no longer on the summit but was now back at the same place where they had first met at the beginning of the mountain trail. Shoan walked up to the monk and said with exasperation, ‘I just came to you to seek enlightenment. Why do you keep leading me on?’ The monk said ‘Sit with me.’ Frustrated, Shoan turned and left the monk sitting there at the base of the mountain trail.

[@janedoe5048]

Damn, your story is the perfect last story for this video. I wish I had read it first. Reading comments, desperate to take something away from the 1:38:26 I spent listening to Zen stories, and then finally. I'm going to go find Shoan and buy him a few beers. Something tells me we'll have plenty to whine and complain about.LOL

[@jeffsmith1798]

@@janedoe5048 first round’s on me ;-)

[@李言-o4e]

​@@janedoe5048这并不是一个关于抱怨的故事，佛法不可说但又不得不说，所以有这些禅宗故事，日出而作，日落而息，这就是禅宗，洗衣做饭，吃饭睡觉就是禅宗。

[@urbankhoisoldierpohlman1635]

Upliftment, thank you kindly from CapeTown, South Afrika

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you enjoy it!😊

[@ronaldbaker8533]

Good to find another South African. Peace brother

[@branislavlazin9285]

Ingenious. Thank You ;) One can't listen/read Lao-tze and Chuang-tze only... but one is allways in the need of more good stuff - being so zen ;)

[@audiobuddho]

Thanks for listening

[@farshimelt]

Tao begat Zen, like non-existence begats existence.

[@Junipermaeven]

I reached a level of comfort to go to sleep to this last night and now it's on my faves playlist!

[@leonorlizardo9174]

I knew it was Peter Coyote's voice. Glad ro hear these Zen stories tody. Thank you.

[@jitenmakhija7567]

What a treasure I have found. Thanks to you all whose attempt made me feel so.

[@audiobuddho]

Wonderful!

[@DrarayneThelas]

I want to add, I was interested in Buddhism because my mother had practiced in college. She long since stopped, but I picked up where she left off. I’m not done or even close, but I hope to achieve it one day. If only there was a Buddhist temple near me.

[@Ramen10420]

A genius asked a master how he realized True Zen. The master responded: "What are you not thinking about at the moment?" The genius said many things. The master responded "Not at the moment."

[@UFOHUNT]

I had to read this 15 times🤦‍♂️

[@dnbjedi]

Variable Butter

[@ValCronin]

Someone please explain because I don't get it

[@Ramen10420]

@@ValCronin Zen is not something that can be grasped, so that's good.

[@dnbjedi]

​@@ValCronin It helps us to realize the 'present moment' with a sudden immediacy. The genius that is thinking like a "smart guy", he is trying to be aware of every variable. This is the 'western mind.' So, the master says, 'what about the variables of this very moment--?" "Could you ever possibly know the variables of this present moment?" and the empirical architecture upon which variability is founded go crashing to the ground because it happens in less than an instant. Even the feasibility of "a moment" is now in question. The 'western mind' is like a fighter(mental) trying to defend from every angle, when he feels this truth, he realizes the absurdity of his battle and cast down his sword in technical defeat. In Buddhism when the mind is grasping, it means that it is trying to find a place upon which to stand, to define itself, to 're'ify' itself. Such as it is, the mind doesn't seem to know its place unless it is told to by something else. Variable butter

[@naderbazyari2]

Fascinating. Many thanks, beyond my comprehension, No heart no Mind

[@bobthemadmonkey]

Makes me want put these in a big storybook and just travel around reading for people

[@ACuriousChild]

Do it then!

[@user-MyQuietLife]

This hit home in a surprisingly intimate way, so thank you. I really adore raw honesty and the purity of the delivery. Having someone admit that it's not easy is helpful and I appreciate that. Take care and I look forward to more videos.

[@brianruppert1071]

Just note that Shasekishu (沙石集), "Collection of Sand and Stones") is a voluminous work, so what's in 101 stories is just a small section of the work, which was completed in 1285 as I recall. The standard edition in Japanese is in the 日本古典文学大系 series, and there's an excellent partial translation by Robert Morrell (Suny Press, I think).

[@NarenLumpkin]

Transcription menu please.

[@kayakMike1000]

wow, that's GREAT information. You are a scholar and a gentleman.

[@mongoosecavern]

I like listening to these when I go to sleep. I always hopes it cements more into my subconscious.

[@JoshDogMoto]

This has become a weekly listening for me. I’m on my 3rd go through. Thank you 🙏

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you like it!😊🙏

[@solarnaut]

I, on the other hand, upon seeing it, titillated by the apparent irony, clicked to save as "watch later" and, finally, now, try to gulp it in at 2x speed. Will I get another life time to learn the lessons I buzzed past in this one ? B-)

[@bamf6603]

@@audiobuddho can you upload with subtitles cuz i dont understand a word u are saying

[@InsightfulZen]

This is an amazing compilation of Zen Koans that I cherish and have come to again and again for these endless gifts. Thank you so much for this resource, Namaste.

[@kayakMike1000]

My favorite is the one where the teacher says, meditate for just three more days, and if that doesn't work, you'd better just kill yourself. Then, on the second day, the pupil became enlightened. yeah, That made me laugh out loud for reals. My other favorite one is the monk polishing bricks to make a mirror. Here is a new one for you.... There was a man that suffered extreme accident to his head, but survived. A vast chunk of his brain had been destroyed (Phineas Gauge, google him, its a true story). I thought of what that might be like, just daydreaming on a little jog one evening.. I was meditating quite a lot at the time, and thought to my self... What would meditation be like without a brain? Suddenly... I had a very deep realization that could not be put into words. I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. Everything in the world just seemed "correct" for a few seconds... As soon as I tried to articulate the answer to the question, I lost it the insight.

[@lifeisgood4857]

Love these.I love how they can initially make no sense and then later, sometimes much later, the meaning comes into focus

[@RK-um9tu]

So why didn't you listed all the meaning you discovered from these stories? My guess is you haven't and just want to come across as intelligent...lol

[@bradlynch6911]

I don’t believe a zen koan has any meaning except the one you assign it. It’s purpose was to mediate on and train concentration.

[@farshimelt]

@@RK-um9tu There is no "all the meaning" to be discovered. There is only discovery.

[@farshimelt]

@@bradlynch6911 Its purpose is to wake you up from the dream that you've been living and into reality.

[@Nikiracha]

Bedankt🙏🏾

[@audiobuddho]

Thank you for your support!🙏

[@helenamcginty4920]

I was about 5, the normal age children become aware of death, when I wondered why people were sad when others died. Weren't we supposed to be happy in heaven with Jesus? As I grew older I wondered if I would ever become afraid if death. I didn't. I had to learn that others were though and tread carefully round their emotions. I am now 74 and have been a very happy atheist for 50 years. Atheism has brought me peace of mind and an even deeper acceptance of my mortality than ever. Reading a book on astronomy in my early 20s was at first so disturbing that I had to sleep with the light on until, after a few days, I came to terms with my personal insignificance as well as that of every one of us

[@chadpilled7913]

Please pray and take seriously the consideration that death is not the end. If, after you die, Jesus gives you a chance to accept Him, please do so and ask for mercy for your sins! God bless you

[@MasterKoala777]

In a way, atheism allows one to treasure life more than a theist. This is the only life, the only time we have, after all. On the other hand, I know someone who is very vocal about her faith, but is so obviously afraid of death and panics whenever there is a health scare (which turn out to be false alarms). I'm quite disappointed by her dichotomy.

[@jhill0623]

Those gongs at the end are beautiful. Thank you for this!

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you like them!

[@michaelrjmarshall4209]

as in the biggining,,,, it is there...

[@Cipricus]

All these stories are about reaching enlightenment but luckily some are reaching authentic humor too!

[@arupsengupta2454]

Aren't they the same !

[@dianedoolan2298]

Loving the readers soothing voice.

[@yixkhblank7956]

I can always get a good laugh listening to these stories😂

[@everTriumph]

It is amazing the length of the arduous journey to acceptance.

[@farshimelt]

The earlier we learn to accept ourselves, the shorter the journey.

[@TAROTAI]

Peter Coyote is an ordained Buddhist priest (around 11 years ago) He is a _bhikkhu_ . . . coupled with his distinctly unique voice and - the tenor is uplifting and dramatically truthful. Peter is truly cool and caring - a complexity of being who is . . . nearby Shanti Peter

[@amkeire7875]

Thank you so much - I am really struggling today- I have been here before and was saved but this time I have to save myself.❤️

[@farshimelt]

That's what the Buddha said, even Paul said, "Work out your own salvation, with fear and trembling." One caveat; "fear" should have been translated as "reverence." That makes a big difference.

[@jwd545286]

Thank you for your Stories, I enjoy them!

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you like them!

[@oriomo2379]

I don't understand why so many people are getting stuck on the gambler/drinker one... One of the most important, if not most important precepts of Buddhism is non-attachment, which is ultimately the only way one can be liberated from the wanton passions of ego. Once you have accepted just how little about your experience you have control over, you relax into allowance that the universal consciousness/one mind probably has a lot better of an idea what's most beneficial for a person than you do. Who are YOU to determine that those kids would be better off with or without their father? The best you can do is statistics made from opinions from people who are likely not self-aware enough to even determine that themselves. Or societal expectation/tradition/suggestion. Or maybe you're drawing from personal experience about not having a father, and yet, any kind of comparison you could make about how your life *might* have been better is absolutely of no consequence because you will never *know* how it could have been different, and the imagining of such a thing can come only from self-debasement, projection, and ego. The number of variables that you or anyone else would need to be consciously aware of, to even hazard a guess, is ridiculous. Despite what religious or secular dogma might proselytize, creation/the universe is not beholden to what we think is real or ethical or moral. Most of those things we hold as truths are just platitudes and *rules* we use to comfort ourselves away from the acceptance of the actual mystery we are experiencing. There are definitely laws, truths, and knowledge to be found, but if it's not coming from the space within (the very space all these stories are meant to introduce you to) it's just a counterfeit, passed from person to person like shared gum. Words and information are not the same as knowledge, let alone wisdom. To go back to the gambler example, what else in this life is more valuable than learning who you are? It's fine for people to say things like relationships, children, love, etc. and those are valuable. If, however, you consider them more important than knowing yourself, I guess that's why you're not leaving your family to meditate in a monastery right now. Finally, some find enlightenment by seeking it, others keep themselves from enlightenment by seeking it.

[@gregriddle3042]

First time listening. I found myself learning the art of listening. I’m 53. Then a simple thought came to me…obvious one….learn to listen, then learn to understand. Sometimes when we move through this high speed life we have a tendency to try to understand as quickly as possible, we forget how to listen, then we wonder why people argue and fight so much.

[@farshimelt]

Look until we see, listen until we hear.

[@alexesjohnson4229]

Practicing and studying zen has made me a much better follower of Christ. I feel like he would get along with these teachers as they have a lot of similar messages ❤

[@jaytoz2002]

Thanks!

[@audiobuddho]

Thank you for your support!

[@richardbutland6797]

@@audiobuddho j

[@cityscapes4ever]

10:54 the koan of ryokan i find the most beautiful. That sense of calm and sorrow, its paradox, it drifts me off. I too feel for the robber and am awed by the zen master

[@uncle-jalapeno-]

The first one was such a strong start, it made me want to absorb the following even more

[@SaeedmomMohandesi]

Thank you for this storry, good voice and great story. Amazing❤

[@marcietorrence5361]

A Zen Master walks into a bar, he orders a pizza. The bartender asked him what he wanted on his pizza. The Zen Master replied, "Make me one with everything"

[@poekasper9735]

I dont get it

[@MangroveLord]

Have you listened to half the stories? They are jsut the same​@@poekasper9735

[@justingriess1925]

⁠replace “everything” with “the universe” to see the other meaning

[@OurHourglass]

​@@justingriess1925So you could rephrase the joke as a story; A Zen master orders a pizza and adds no toppings. When asked why, he replies, "this pizza has everything on it."

[@viniciusdeoliveira171]

Nothing and everything are very close ideas.

[@deandrep4273]

listened to this about 20 times the past couple weeks as i sleep and it’s the only thing that i can sleep peaceful to it’s so random cause i know nothing of zen buddha but i feel compelled to lisyen

[@bikecaptain8015]

Listening again. I only remember one that stuck, but I've had many occasions to consider the celibate master that helps the lady across the river, and the apprentice's response.

[@srinathravindra93]

ආදරණීය විශ්ව මාතාවට ස්තුතියි ස්තුතියි ස්තුතියි

[@SolveEtCoagula93]

Inspirational stories - beautifully spoken. Thank you. 🙏

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@arthurrodarte8624]

God bless y’all beautiful teachings.

[@robertschlesinger1342]

Excellent video. Very interesting and worthwhile video.

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@youwillsucceed4rlz]

I lost my path before this came on my homepage. Ty for posting I'm grateful for the wisdom.

[@WhiteCollarWarriorWallStFraudE]

Before enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment: chop wood, carry water.

[@NoActuallyGo-KCUF-Yourself]

After ecstacy, laundry.

[@farshimelt]

Hungry eat, tired sleep.

[@sweetsweet4390]

What does one do when they tire of chopping wood and carrying water?

[@bryantalbott2116]

Seeing all these positive and open minded comments makes me feel good. It reminds me that there are a lot of good souls out there even if there are times that I feel discouraged.

[@abcrane]

One day a small crowd gathered in a park to listen to a monk recite Zen Koans. The wise tales were soon abruptly interrupted by a hen who strayed from her flock. "Bock ba ba bock bock bock!" The tension of serious contemplation broke into boisterous laughter of the crowd and of the monk. The monk rose from the bench and disappeared into the crowd. ABcrane, Zen Koan

[@thecapone45]

So was the monk upset?

[@FPLNameless]

@@thecapone45 the Hen became the teacher

[@DelTaco6]

@@thecapone45 He didn't need to teach anymore because everyone had learned to be present in the moment.

[@bellachan7060]

Don't get it? The monk disappeared. Into the crowd. 😝

[@abcrane]

@@bellachan7060 ah.

[@alphaillusion4541]

Priceless!!! Thank you a 1000 times.

[@treygreen5015]

This is awesome audio, and it helps me sleep and practice Zen. Thank youuu

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you like it!

[@howardhao2345]

Great listening piece! Thank you. 谢谢🌹

[@audiobuddho]

Glad you like it!

[@garrettbradford4791]

A zen master awaits his student in a small hut assembled in a remote location. After making the long trek the student arrives and proclaims, "master I am here!" "Who is here?" replied the master. "Me your student!" "Go away," the master responded, "return when you are ready." The next day the student again made the trek and again encountered the same response. The eager student persevered in this way. Every day he would make the trek, every day he was refused by his master. Finally, the student arrived just before nightfall. "Who is here?" spoke the master, after hearing the strange silence accompanying his visitor. "It is you." The student replied. "Then please, myself, enter."

[@kajakjohlopi7843]

Ugh...

[@garrettbradford4791]

@@kajakjohlopi7843 btw I just made this up.

[@kajakjohlopi7843]

@@garrettbradford4791 I'm half relieved.

[@ZenmasterZORT]

thank you. you have no idea how much this helped on a really bad night.

[@audiobuddho]

Glad I could help!

[@all-things-under-heaven]

Zen philosophy is so sincere and funny at the same time. 😅😑

[@geraldo6205]

Chinese heritage has great history, Zen Buddhists are eternally grateful for that Heritage. Thank you SO Much!

[@BuddhistInsightsJourney]

The narration and pacing allow time for reflection, making the experience both meditative and enlightening.

[@mattpears2472]

To look in a mirror needs no time.

[@QUEEFSWEAT]

FAN-FUCKIN-TASTIC! I haven't heard Mr. Coyote's very cool and distinct voice in years. Great narration for even greater stories. 💥.

[@AngkasaRentung]

Love and kindness are the teachings of all religion. I can fully relate and learn from these stories

[@christianrowell1081]

Not all religions teach that. There are bad religions as well

[@AngkasaRentung]

@@derbdep nope. You talk about ppl get intoxicated by your notion. I see you're also intoxicated by your own toxicness of what Islam isnt about. Giving salam to non Muslims isnt permissible? I bet you havent read about Prophet Muhammad's actions towards non Muslims. You've made your mistake even worse when you said we are prohibited from saying Salam alaykum to them. Brother, we can say it to every non muslims on this earth except adding warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. This what differentiates Islam from others. Because Islam itself has its own dignity that we hold and protect. You can walk down sthe streets of New York and find ppl wearing shirts or holding banners that mocks jesus of making fun of him and no one is against it. Not with our prophet. Oh and buddha? Why do hedonist festivals filled with drugs and promiscious sex in it also invite buddhist to sort of benefit in "spiritual aspects"??? Drugs and contemplation is key to find God? And about your sex preference, you are gay and youre proud with it because you havent found Allah. If youre really sincere in knowing Allah, whatever hardships you can counter. May Allah give you hidayah.

[@AngkasaRentung]

@@derbdep submission to the whims of Allah alone? Bro, Allah forbids us being gay. You're contradicting yourself, funny.

[@AngkasaRentung]

@@derbdep being gay in Islam means the death penalty? I laughed hard on this. Clearly you've been taught by wrong and fanatic muslims. Bro, learn the Qur'an. Not by learning only from humans. Readthe Quran and its translations. Those are the words of Allah. The God that you stated holds all whims alone. If your intellect and consciousness cant go together in that journey, most probably you dont even want to know the truth. Or, yikes you dont even read it and know nothing of truth about Islam. Because your first comment only stated about the hatred towards Islam except about Allah's power and authority.

[@AngkasaRentung]

@@derbdep you only read surah al Lahab and thats it? Really???????? 6

[@TheBanchou]

The natural course of life at 1:18:45 was great

[@KihmJones]

Thank you for this beautiful sharing!!!

[@LeonoreAlaniz]

After this first listening to all, listening to one will be good. And once I understand it - it may take ten years - time is ripe to Listen to another.

[@farshimelt]

If you meditate on one, it will become clear, then many of the others will become clear. It can happen in an instant, or it can take 10 yrs. The time is irrelevant.